My life was snowballing out of control. I was involved with the wrong crowd and using alcohol and drugs. I was a year behind in school and had recently gotten expelled for drug possession. I was on probation for various drug related offenses, and not doing very well at completing it. In fact, I had no intention of stopping what I was doing. I passed my drug tests by taking cleaners. My relationships with family members were awful. I had stolen things from them to get drugs, and I treated them horribly.
One day, two guys from West Ridge picked me up. I was very angry, and it took me a long time to get over feeling that way. I’m not sure I am still overly happy that I was sent there, but I do realize it was necessary for my parents to send me there for me to get my life back on track. I appreciate how kind the people at West Ridge were to me. People like my therapist, my home parents, all my religious leaders and many others believed in me and really cared about me. They helped me get back to my real self, and helped me develop the skills to avoid spiraling out of control again.
I’m home again now. I avoid the wrong crowd, and haven’t had any setbacks. I’m caught up in school and getting all A’s and B’s. I will graduate on time and head to college. I’m happy, healthy, and enjoying the normal things a 16 year old does like going to Prom and dating. My relationships with my family are good again. I will forever be grateful to West Ridge for that.
Jaron-Former student
